52 Ancestors in 52 Weeks

Thursday, October 20, 2011

Thrifty Thursday – Housewife Feeds Six for $25 Per Week

One day in the Spring of 1967, our mother told us that my sister Robyn, aged 10, and I, about to turn 12, would be included in a picture taken by a photographer from the Press Herald. The reporter, a feature writer by the name of Lyn Liljeholm, had come by the house to interview her about raising a family of six by shopping and serving meals within a budget.

This picture brings back such wonderful memories!

The mirror where we always checked our appearance before heading off to school, the many “dish nights” in front of the kitchen sink (“do you want to wash or dry?”), the plaid thermos bottle Dad took in his lunchbox, the Peter Pan collars, the barrette in Robyn’s hair, even the old pencil sharpener (can you spot the handle?).

The article appeared on Page One (!) of the Portland Press Herald in April 1967 (this original glossy is stamped THU APR 13 1967,PRESS HERALD), but I only have the continuation:

It is a fascinating article to read, so I hope you take the time to do so. I’ve just re-read it to Mom, and she still has a great many of these recipes in her head. Who knows, it may provide some guidance in these tough economic times! As for me, I remember all the canned goods stored in the cellar way, and which we were sent to retrieve before supper. Desserts were always on hand (especially cookies), and many of her casseroles I still make today!

7 comments:

Great post! So this is your Mom you were visiting during the Bash? I love the story and I just noticed your list of surnames on the right column. I got my haircut yesterday and helped my hairdresser trace her family back to Thomas Leighton. She was thrilled because she thought he was "the man with the boat that goes out to the Isles of Shoals". Sorry, girl, wrong Thomas Leighton (that one was named after Celia Thaxter's father!).

It's so nice meeting your mom via your post. I remember tasting one of her dishes, that you made, at the Bash. Bet you are a great cook and take after her. Loved reading the actual newspaper article as well.

OMG, Pam, that is so totally YOU and your mother! I would recognize you both even without any story or captions. It funny how we develop and change our appearance, but always look like US despite the changes. This is a great story, and crystal-clear photo. Wonderful! - Vicki